💎 Universal Orlando hidden gems
Don't overlook these 9 unexpectedly delightful experiences
Hello adventurers!
How many times has this happened to you? You go on a trip, see the sights, then come home and someone immediately tells you about an amazing thing you totally missed!
Well my friends, I am here to get you in-the-know BEFORE you go.
Here are nine cool things at Universal Orlando that you may not find in guide books. Or that you might just walk right past. If you’ve got a couple of days at Universal Orlando, make sure you add these attractions to your list.
Nine “hidden” gems at Universal Orlando
1) Raptor Encounter in Jurassic Park
Located in Jurassic Park, Islands of Adventure park
Definitely one of the most unique character meet & greets anywhere, the Raptor Encounter is exactly what it sounds like. You’ll meet a very life-like dinosaur and you’ll probably be glad it’s behind a fence! Definitely worth at least a 20-minute wait. Tip: Get video of your encounter if you can.
2) Knockturn Alley
Located in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios Park
There’s an obscure dark lane off the main street in Diagon Alley that’s easy to pass right by. Duck down the alley to find Borgin & Burke’s dark arts boutique and plenty of mysterious shop windows and doors.
If you look, you can find two entrances to Knockturn Alley. One is just past the Leaky Cauldron, the other near the end of Horizont Alley. Bring your interactive wand, there’s lots of magic down here.
3) Secret song list on the Rip Ride Rockit coaster
Located in Production Central, Universal Studios Park
One of the unique aspects of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (besides the fact that it goes straight up & straight down 😱) is that riders get to pick their song for the ride. Each seat has its own speakers and there are an array of standard choices to pick from.
But if you really want to have a good time on this coaster, you can choose one of the secret songs from a hidden menu on the ride. The secret song choices are WAY better than the regular options, and include classics from the Doors, Rolling Stones, Muse, Madonna, and even ‘Eruption’ by Van Halen.
You need to know how to hack the ride before you get on, so check out these instructions from TouringPlans.
4) The Blues Brothers show
Located in New York, Universal Studios park
Make time to stop and watch the entertainment at Universal Studios. One of the best is the Fabulous Blues Brothers, who perform on the street in New York. The show is high energy and really fun, especially if you’re a fan of the movie.
Look for the Bluesmobile parked in the neighborhood. If you don’t see it, watch for Jake & Elwood cruising around the park.
5) The Mystic Fountain
Located in the Lost Continent, Islands of Adventure park
You’ll be tempted to hurry right past this ordinary-looking fountain, located between Mythos restaurant and the entrance to Hogsmeade Village. But if you take a minute to approach, you may just end up in a conversation with this snarky water feature. Even more fun is standing back & watching as guests are taken by surprise when the fountain addresses them directly.
Here’s video of the fountain doing its thing:
6) The Seuss Trolley
Located in Seuss Landing, Islands of Adventure park
Sure it’s a kiddy ride (unless you’re afraid of heights), but don’t let that stop you from boarding the most scenic attraction at Universal Orlando. The Seuss Trolley runs above Seuss Landing and commands views over most of Islands of Adventure and even into Universal Studios next door. Plus your feet get a nice rest while you ride. Tip: Have your camera ready to capture wide shots of the park.
7) The safety video on the Simpsons Ride
Located in Springfield, USA, Universal Studios park
Guests waiting in the Simpsons Ride queue and pre-show elements get a special treat. New Simpsons shorts were created specifically for the ride, including a very funny safety video. Stay tuned-in to the TVs while you’re in line to see what happens when Bart doesn’t meet the height requirement, but sneaks onto a very sketchy rollercoaster anyway.
Tip: The Simpsons Ride is a 4-D movie that involves a motion simulator. I think it’s really fun & also hilarious, but if this type of ride is not for you, you can still walk through the queue and watch the pre-show. Just let them know you won’t be riding.
8) Earl the Squirrel
Located in the annual Christmas tree, New York, Universal Studios park
Here’s a fun Universal Orlando Easter egg. (OK it’s at Christmas but it’s an ‘Easter egg’, whatever). If you look closely, you’ll spot an animatronic squirrel hiding in the big Universal Studios Christmas tree.
Known as ‘Earl’, the squirrel closely resembles the panic-inciting critter from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Every year he appears in a different hidey-hole on the tree, popping out to surprise sharp-eyed guests.
9) Rock & Roll museum
Located in the Hard Rock Cafe, Universal CityWalk
Orlando is home to the world’s biggest Hard Rock Cafe. It’s an excellent place to get out of the parks & grab a burger for lunch. (One that is WAY superior than anything you’ll get in the parks). And it’s also home to an astounding collection of rock & roll memorabilia.
You will be walking right past it every time you switch between Islands of Adventure & Universal Studios. Want to get some air conditioning and a cold drink, and hang out with Prince’s purple jacket? Pop into the Hard Rock for your park break.
Tip: Visitors can request a free ‘Vibe’ tour, which might even get you into the VIP-only John Lennon room.
If you can’t get enough of the rock & roll lifestyle, be sure to consider the on-site Hard Rock hotel for your stay. 👉 Here’s my guide to all the on-site Universal Orlando hotels.
Special thanks to my friend Jon, for helping me nail down details for this post. Follow his instagram for fun Universal Orlando pics.
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